NZ Centre for Political Research

Oh there was a coalition of the Greens, Mana party and Maori party on 'The Nation' on 15.10.2011 on a supposed debate on the Treaty of Wai.,all agreeing the Treaty was the Holy Grail but no-one else was there to debate it.

This week's poll asks:

Do you believe Parliament is working for you?

*But I don't expect them to. We have so many diverse people that it is impossible to please them all. Mary

*They will not get my vote. Frank

*I believe that proportional representation does not deliver a clear enough result. First past the post is better system with clearer outcomes. Peter

*Too much is going on for the maori,and we,the rest are left in the wilderness. Jane

*It has been long years since a N.Z. parliment has worked for the common good. Norman

*The only problem is that the National Party is the best of a bad bunch. Delwyn

*Wind power is non-polluting! Ask people who live near a wind farm, noise is just another form of pollution. Geoff

*A few MPs are working for the good of the Country. Most are working to retain their well paid jobs and gain a generous super after three terms. Peter

*As Bob (The Builder) Clarkson said at a recent ACT meeting in Tga, "National has moved away from us, we have not left National".
Heather Roy's quote is equally pertinent, "Our society is slowly being turned on its head. The minority rules - or at least the rules are made for the minority, but imposed on all. The minority must be saved from itself by the State, & the only way that the State can do this is by loading increasing impositions on the responsible people - taking away their freedom & choice". Dave

*Neither is it seeking to leave a legacy that will benefit our next generation. Keith

This week's poll asks:

Do you believe Parliament is working for you?

*What else can you say? POLITICAL PROSTITUTES every last one. Spine-less, unethical, overpaid, overfed, underworked, living in ivory towers and completely out of touch with REAL New Zealand. Mark

*But that's not the main issue-we were promised much but little has been delivered. What a disappointment. Ivan

*Endless rounds of Treaty claims that will go on for the next 50 years or so. All the govt has to say is: NO MORE CLAIMS WILL BE CONSIDERED. All claims have now been settled. The Party that proclaims and supports this end to settlements will be the next govt, fullstop. Laurent

*John Key told us what we wanted to hear to get into office. His government has spent more than Labour since 2008 making us a poorer country. John Key is a stock trader which means he is an opportunist at the expense of the taxpayers. If you look at the Horizon Polls, National is not that far ahead, only a few percentage points. Overall, Parliament is running roughshod over the voters and binding referendum is desperately needed. Jack

*Too much of the tail wagging the dog!! Get rid of MMP. John

*They only look after themselves displaying an attitude of "who cares what I have said last week". Gerd

*Parliament reminds me of kids fighting over one icecream...This is a great editorial/newsletter Muriel.
Well written and so very true.
There is a very wise proverb that goes like this "Without a prophetic vision the people run wild."
If we had a clear prophetic vision and cast it to the Nation well, and they all caught it, like the RWC the people would rise up, and who knows what we could achieve.
It's amazing what we can do if we have a positive focus. Max

*Govt has been working against me at great cost since I joined the workforce in '95. Standard of living has dropped dramatically.
So looks like it's back to Australia. Dondiego

This week's poll asks:

Do you believe Parliament is working for you?

*No. Not enough is being done to generate income. The size of our borrowing is disgraceful. Why can't Key do better - he's supposed to be a money man. Let's get rid of MMP deals. Sheila

*The voters are expected to select MMP as one of the most likely contenders in the upcoming referendum, without knowing what changes might be made to it. Do we trust our politicians to change MMP in the promised review for the good of democracy or for themselves? John

*I believe "parliament working for you" is an oxymoron. Janie

*If I knew this present rulling party would go into the coalition with Maori Party and make such an impact with it about who gets what and not about the NZ as a whole society...I would have never voted for them...and why or how can they just "choose" on their own will who will be their coalition partner? Maybe people should also have a vote on this one...because Maori party doesn't work for NZers, only for "their people"....this is totally selfish and unacceptable...shame what a mumbo jumbo have they made from this beautiful country...Adriana

*Most people in Govt are working for themselves. I believe Phil Goff could be trusted more than most others. Elsie

*The NZ parliament only has one "primary" thing in mind which is how can we retian power. All about power and not about the people. Neil

*Sadly, no, and the reasons for that are too numerous to mention. However, the underlying fundamental reason is that which lies at the base of all the others. That reason is that Parliament/Government fails to install the right incentives in law that will harness the best of the human spirit and as far as possibly discourage the worst. Government has become a self perpetuating amorphous lump of dysfunction which saps the life out of a productive and entrepreneurial society. It has come to be an organism that encourages profligacy and immorality in it's attempts to please most of the people most of the time, instead of simply doing what is right for our country. Dianna

*The parliamentarians work for themselves and their political parties and have a "sod the people and the nation" attitude. Peter

*Never has & never will, you need a belevent dictator to run his country. Geoff

*Aha, they be working for themselves. We reelect these pack of clowns (cant vote for the left) and what we get back, some parasite who spends the next 3 years working out how to get re-elected. make the parliamentary term 5 years, and maybe we get something of substance back. Sam

This week's poll asks:

Do you believe Parliament is working for you?

*As long as a government can make constitutional changes by just one single vote in the House, without any checks or balances, the ruling party or coalition will take precedence over the the electors. Any proposed written constitution would appear to offer little benefit in the current advantaged minority environment. Binding citizen initiated referenda with lower thresholds would give the electors some control over the politicians. Norm

*The Government has given up listening to anyone except the fringe dwellers who bring a couple of extra votes, and the Opposition is desperate and clueless. Gary

*Definitely NO!,and heaven help us all if FPP is nominated while this hitlerist govt is in, WE ARE DOOMED. Rick

*They are all a bunch of hipocritical, self serving, power-hungry, big-mouthed dickheads, interested ONLY in their OWN personal wellbeing and monetary gain. We should get rid of the lot of them! Jean

*But as Goldstein said "it is not about me" we are on the slippery slope and I can't see any evidence of an anchor being deployed. John

*No! Not while the parties are only interested in their private agendas. Bruce

*No. But then I wouldn't expect it to as I am an individual with minority concerns! Graeme

*So tired of being ignored! For the first time in my life I probably won't vote as no one deserves my mandate!!!!!!!!! Andy

*Most of the time! David

*No - but then western "democracy" has not been working for any in the "west" for many decades now. The globalists and their UN lackeys learned a long time ago that its easier to be stealth dictators by owning the fawning politicos than by coming right out with their jackboots and guns. But rest assured, when the time is right, the jackboots and guns will most certainly make their appearance. We are counting our caged freedom in years now, not decades... Peter

*Elections seem to be more about "winning" than about good and responsible government. It also seems that MPs (by no means all) are there for themselves or their radical minority agendas rather than the good of our nation as a whole. I reckon that the RWC is a convenient diversion from the real issues that our country faces! Laurence

*No - never have, never will (probably). Peter

*We do not have anyone in Parliament game enough to stand up and be counted and be a MAN/LADY to have the guts to Govern and look after our Country. Since John Key has gone all out to offer so many Countries FREE TRADE our own businesses have either moved off shore where labour is cheap or cannot compete with what rubbish we have entering our Country and we are expected to accept. BUY NEW ZEALAND MADE is no more or so scarce one finds it impossible to locate anything as such. New Zealand Pride has gone. Many shops now only stock Made in China Rubbish that is so cheaply made falls to pieces and no longer lasts beyond a few weeks. We are rapidly losing any firms that used to employ workers and they could do a Apprenticeships e.g. Railway workshops, we buy our Trains from China as they are cheaper not because they are better made, however I also in a way blame the businesses as they have employees that have taken their jobs as they could never go instead of upping their paces and turning out goods faster and that way cheaper. MARYLIN

*Most politicans enter parliament with great ideas of changing the country and after 3 years the come out the other end either beaten up or compliant. No further action happens after that. Amen. Rex

*But it is not working against me either. It should be a better leader, but it is better than the last lot who had the cash during good times but wasted it. Cliff

This week's poll asks:

Do you believe Parliament is working for you?

*1. Over the last few decades parliament has lost its statesman quality and replaced it with vested interest. In the past, 80% of politicians were locked into national interest pursuits. Today 20% would be prepared to fight for national interest. The electorate is responsible to guide the direction of the country as no leadership exists in this culture.
2. Leadership is about sacrifice - How many of the politicians in the parliament of the last decade have had the spine to take a step that would make them stand out and be counted?
3. The next great challenge is the recognition of the truth about China and its rising power - the Neville Chamberlain era is approaching. Peace in our time documents did not protect Europe before WW2 and will not stop the rise of a totalitarian dictatorship today.
4. The forced switch to bilateral attiudes has already started in the EU and the USA. The resultant shift in power has China already threatening retaliation. Our political system refuses to face the facts that bilateral negotiations made NZ and AUS prosperous for 2 centuries. But these negotiations take conviction - the parliament does not have this commodity.
5. The future must see the parliament rebuild the domestic manufacturing industries to stop economic regression.
6. This is not protectionism - protectionism is about lack of competition. There is a great difference between competition and annihilation.
7. The national interest calls for the parliament to work for the nation and not for itself. The political system has become a unique culture, or a way of elitist life set apart from the people. With each year that passes it moves to protect itself against the people.
7. No it is not working for me and it is not working for you either!!!
8. This is confirmed every day by the markets as China continues to suck the life out of the economies of the western world. Frederick

*I think they are all for themselves, heck, look at the perks! John

*I believe the Pike River Mining Disaster is TYPICAL of the double standards that exist today.Politically my belief is 'Was always known' the TRUE outcome of that human life tragedy. Our PM has again saved the 'day' but some re-assurance that when sold -a condition of sale-will now be 'The bodies will be bought out-people can grieve, and move forward. (Saved his skin) by a whisker.) Jill

*What we have is a pretend democracy with the two major Parties having no conscience at all about truly representing the voters. They will impose what laws they want irrespective of what they previously promised or whether or not these new laws were mandated before the election which put them into power. Consolidating their power base is their over riding concern. Both major Parties deserve to be dumped and their non representing representatives sent on their way to find other employment. We need a voter revolution and this will be best achieved by us taking on Swiss style Direct Democracy. It's time the reign of "We'll do as we like and to hell with the citizens" politicians came to an end. They have breached our trust so I say kick them out! Denis

*Parliment only works themselves. Rennie

*This government, like previous administrations, has failed to acknowledge that, like any business, a country must produce income. In effect, we must earn over seas income. To date, our government has failed to realize that we must have businesses that can earn over seas income. Malcolm

*Bill Englsh's attitude to Adam Feeleys imbibing Rod's Bubbly and other instances like Bills housing rort are why we like, Australia, need
an Anti-Corruption Committee. Just one instance of how I do not feel Parliament is not working for us. Colin

This week's poll asks:

Do you believe Parliament is working for you?

*Politicians typically have only their own interests at heart. The fact that parliament regularly enacts laws the the majority of New Zealanders disagree with highlight this. Brett

*I didn't create the financial crisis but certainly feel that I am being blamed for it. I feel politicians are only there to line their own pockets. None of them listen to what the ordinary person has to say - result - anti smacking bill - millions given to taniwhas - and now carbon tax! However you look at the political system, parliament or politicians its the results that tell the story and I certainly don't see it working for the ordinary person. Peter

*What Government does? Certainly Key has been looking after only one sector of this Country. Policitians who make up the Government only appear to look after themselves and the huge retirement nest egg or the next UN appointment. There are maybe a few policitians who care but these I believe soon get outvoted on any radical changes that even remotely appear to be for the good of the country or its people. Audrey

*Under Democracy our MPs concentrate on winning the next election and neglect managing the Country to best effect. That failure, of democracy, is exacerbated by MMP so that the pandering to minorities leads to compromise and results in our being governmed by minorities with narrow self interests. Democracy is in truth a huge failure!! There must be a better way!! Jim

*The Govt is trying to keep status quo (and general populance calm) no matter what the incentives are for change. However the future is obviously not going to be as properous and economically sound as they predict and they must start making big cuts now .... STOP the borrow, smile and promise mandate they have going at present. Susan

*As always they are working for themselves. We are not important except to pay the taxes. Sonia

*M.M.P.has empowered and elected lunatic greens , haters and wreckers ( Helen Clarke quote ) and similar. Parliament can not represent a totality amid their clamour. With Minto and Bradford as candidates and Harawira retaining his seat the next General Election can only make things worse. Peter

*With all the idiots getting into parliament these days, MMP has made the NZ political system the laughing stock of the world. Murray

*Of course not. I think commenter Wendy said it all. Ray

*Most emphatically NO! I voted for national at the last election and since the seabed and foreshore legislation I have felt betrayed. How could I have avoided this,? simple answer, I couldn`t. If this issue had been a topical one prior to the elction my firm belief is that national would not have gained power. Who to vote for in this election unlike any before it is in my opinion extemely difficult as without a credible opposition will my vote be a wasted one ? Having a lot of involvement with younger people the overwhelming view I get from them is that they want their vote to count for the future prosperity of New Zealand but have no idea have to do it as there isn`t a party or politician that truely represents what the people of this country want. A seriously debilitating position for your fine country to be in Glen

*"They" would like to think so Clark. All I can say is....Yeah Right!!! John

*Parliament nevers works for individuals. Rather IT SHOULD work for the benfit of all. It does NOT in New Zealand and never will until we the people have a "Constitution" which protects us from the whims and racial attitudes of M.P.'s. This means a radical change to how we elect who governs. Brian

*Parliament is not working for nz'ers, they are too busy sneaking in Bills to keep the UN happy and conducting secret deals for their own self serving wants. They are too far removed from reality to care one bit for the average kiwi family. There is no transparency and honest leadership any more. They sit on their thrones and tick boxes on pieces of paper that are guaranteed to create them revenue and pay rises while New Zealand's knees wobble under the weight of the red tape they create. Local councils also need their heads seen to. They love pumping through by-laws that cost citizens and turn good people into criminals. I see in today's new's that the Auckland council are going to make people get a licence to own more than one dog! Only the good people will pay. Our country is turning into a police state and going by Owen McShanes write up it is going to get worse. Protesting won't work and neither will retaliation. Our country needs a very strong and intelligent leader to stomp on this creeping dictatorship and turn our country around. When the people thrive the country does too. Trina

This week's poll asks:

Do you believe Parliament is working for you?

*The only time politicians show any consideration to the voters is at election time, the rest of the time we are an unnecessary inconvenience whilst they get on completing backroom deals to remain in power and manufacture trades offs that in most cases that defy commonsense. Robert

*I'm not sure ANY NZ Government or Parliament has EVER worked, or cared about, the average New Zealander. My Grandfather once said "Scratch a candiate and you will uncover a politian". I have found as I get older, a more truer statement I have rarely heard. We complained about the old First-past-the-post, back in the days of National, Labour and Social Credit, but at least in those days the damage was limited and the opposition was clear. Today we have political parties sprouting up like fleas on a mangy dog and no-one is sure when they vote who is going to be in bed with whom. Parliament is working only for self interest groups who have no care or concern for the average New Zealander. We are nothing more than a crippled revenue source. Those who can get out do so, the rest of us are stuck with rising prices, lower living conditions, third world health service, and an education system that seems to be turning out computer literate dummies. But why should parliament care? they have their super-dooper pension schemes, the gravy trough that they can suck on for life, a pay packet that is generally unatainable by most seeing as they are not willing to trade their principles for money. I wonder what would happen if voting papers had a box which read "None of the Above" maybe then we would see just what people do think of those standing to so-called represent them. Wendy

*The politicians only care about their party agendas these days. MMP has changed the way Parliament used to work. Yet if we vote against it we will get more Maori seats - we are caught between a rock and a hard place. It is disgraceful. Beverley

*If politicians cared about the public, they would not have voted for the Marine and Coastal Area Bill nor the smacking ban. They only care about staying in power. Brian

*I used to respect MPs - not these days though. They work for parties now not voters. Stewart

*No absolutely not. Politicians don't care about citizens any more. Only staying in power. Jim

*The country would be better off if Parliament was closed for most of a three year term like it used to be in the old days when MPs worked on voluntary basis for only a few months a year. Sue

*After Parliament passed the smacking bill I have had no trust or respect for MPs at all. All they care about is deals and power - NOT about doing what is right. KS